Be Ready!

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deut. 33:27)

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength (Is. 30:15)

We gather in reverence at the passing of Gloria Jean Werner, Born May 21, 1951, deceased December 26, 2001. We pay our respects to her memory, and life.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Grant that those here may find comfort and strength in you. Grant that we might cherish the life you have given us and hold it as a treasured possession, a gift from you.

Message

Be Ready!

Intro: In one sense, Gloria has already done the preaching. She lies here today as a silent testimony to the sudden reality of death, and the fact that each of us faces a day when our life here on earth will come to an end. Though I did not know Gloria, I am certain that if she could speak to those she truly loved at this moment, she would not be concerned about the fun times, or the memories she shared with you, but she would have a different message to those she loved. I think she would have an urgent message. I think that she would want you to be ready for the day when you find yourself in her place, at the end of life’s journey. . I don’t pretend to know where Gloria is right now, and in reality, only God knows. But could her silent lips speak to you now, I think she would say:

I. Get Ready

Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. (Heb. 9:27)

A. For Death Is Certain.

Eccl. 8:8 (NIV)

No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death.

B. For Judgment Is Certain.

2 Cor. 5:10 (NIV)

10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

C. For Life Is Available

Rom. 6:23 (NIV)

23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 11:25 (NIV)

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;

II. Stay Ready

A. Keeping In God’s Will

Matt. 7:22 through Matt. 7:24 (NIV)

22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

24“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

Matt. 12:50 (NIV)

50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

B. Keeping It Up To Date

2 Pet. 2:20 (NIV)

20If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.

Conclusion:

Get ready, and stay ready, so that this day will not take you by surprise. Take the life offered to you in Jesus, and live that life to the end of your days, so that when you find yourself where Gloria finds herself today, you will not be taken by surprise.

Prayer:

Eternal God, You who are the consolation and strength of all who trust in you, grant your sustaining grace to those who sorrow today. Lift our vision to see beyond this earthly life and make us appreciate those spiritual values which are eternal. Grant that we may follow with faith where you lead so that when our days are finished here on this earth, we shall find our eternal life preserved in you. Have mercy on us we pray, in Jesus name. Amen.

At The Grave

Scripture:

Jer. 10:23 (NIV)

23 I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own;

it is not for man to direct his steps.

Psa. 25:5 (NIV)

5 guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

Committal:

For as much as the spirit of this loved one has departed, with cherished memories we therefore commit this body to its resting place, knowing that the end of all flesh is the grave; but that in God is our eternal hope.

Prayer:

Father in heaven, Who through Jesus Christ our Lord has revealed to us divine compassion in human sorrow, grant comfort to these sorrowing hearts today. Help them to turn to thee in confident trust and abide in you through a living faith, that they may know through experience of your presence, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the reality of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.